Registration - scrap metal site

Registering a Scrap Metal Business in the Maidstone Borough

What is a scrap metal business registration?

Maidstone Borough Council is responsible for registering Scrap Metal traders and processors. If you want to run a scrap metal business based at a scrap yard, or an itinerant dealership with no fixed scrap metal storage premises, you need to register with us. Scrap metal includes any old metal, and any broken, worn-out or partly manufactured metal objects.

Please contact the Licensing Team in the first instance on 01622 602000 for guidance on whether you need to register your business. Failing to register when you are running a scrap metal business is an offence. If you are found guilty, you could be fined up to £1000.

Scrap metal registrations do NOT cover vehicle salvage. Vehicle salvage operators must register with Kent County Council under the Vehicles (Crimes) Act 2001.

Legal Regulations

The operation of scrap metal businesses is regulated under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964. More information on operating under the Scrap Metal Act is available.

What else do I need to know?

Where should I register?

You need to register your business with Maidstone Borough Council, if you:

· Are using premises in the area as a scrap metal store

· Usually live permanently in the area

· Usually occupy premises in the area for business purposes, even if you don’t store your scrap metal there

If you work itinerantly in the Maidstone Borough but usually live or are based in another area, you need to register with the Local Authority for that area.

How much do applications cost?

Registering a scrap metal business is free.

How often do I need to renew my registration?

Scrap metal registrations cover your business for three years. Towards the end of your registration, we will send you a reminder with paper forms, or you can apply to renew your registration online.

How do I apply?

You will need to supply the following details on the application form:

Your full name;
Your full address, or the address of the scrap metal dealer if you are applying on someone’s behalf. If you are registering a company, please give the address of the company’s registered or principal address;
The address of any or all premises used as a scrap metal store;
The address of the business’ main base, if you carry on your business without using a scrap metal store

You can apply to register your scrap metal business online.

Alternatively, please contact us using the details to the right of this page and we will post you an application form or you can download the form here to complete and return to:

The Licensing Team, Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6JQ.

How do I change my registration?

If you change any of the details you have registered with us, you must let us know. You can change your registration as a scrap metal dealer online. Alternatively, contact us in writing to register any changes you intend to make.

You must also inform us if you cease to deal in scrap metal. Please contact us as soon as you have wound up your trade using the details to the right of this page.

What happens next?

Your registration will take 14 calendar days to process. After this time, you can consider your application successful. However, please stay in touch with us during this time, as the “clock” can stop if we need more information from you.

We will notify you by letter that your registration is complete.

Are there any conditions attached to my registration?

Yes. In order to qualify for a scrap metal dealers’ registration you will need to:

Keep a detailed yearly record of your dealings at each place where you store or process/dispatch scrap metal. “Your record of dealings” gives more information on this
Retain each record book for two years after the last entry
Allow police officers or officers from Maidstone Borough Council to inspect your premises, your scrap metal, and/or your record at any reasonable time. You must also allow police officers to take copies of your record book if requested

I don’t have a scrap yard, I collect scrap metal from house to house – do I still need to keep records?

Yes, but we can make an exemption order to assist you to keep your record sensibly given that you do not have premises that you use as a scrap metal store. Please see “Your record of dealings” for more information.

What happens if my application fails?

If for some reason we cannot grant your application, please contact us in the first instance.

What do I do if I have complaints about a scrap metal dealership?

If you have complaints as a customer of a scrap metal dealership, we would advise that you take it up with the scrap metal dealer, preferably in writing with proof of delivery. It that does not work, for people located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

If you are a fellow scrap metal dealer and you are concerned about dealings, the registration of commodities, or safety issues at a scrap metal dealership, please contact the Licensing Team using the details to the right of this page. Any communication will be held in strictest confidence.

As a member of the public, if you are concerned about safety issues, noise, nuisance or pollution at a scrap metal dealership, please contact Environmental Health on 01622 602000 immediately.